Axiom Zen Is the Exclusive Organizing Partner for #HTML500, Canada's Largest Learn-to-Code Event

Axiom Zen, an organizing partner for the HTML500, is proud to support a global movement aimed at teaching the basics of code to non-coders. The HTML500 is Canada's largest learn-to-code event and will be taking place Feb 1, 2014 in Vancouver, B.C. The event is organized in partnership with Lighthouse Labs, creators of the first coding bootcamp in Vancouver.

To underscore the historic nature of the HTML500 as well as the importance of coding to an individual's employment prospects, Axiom Zen will be offering a paid 8-week internship to at least one attendee. During the internship, the lucky individual will have the chance to work with cutting edge mobile and web technologies as well as experimental hardware platforms like Google Glass and Thalmic Labs' Myo.

Axiom Zen is a powerful demonstration of Vancouver's potential: founded by Silicon Valley transplants in late 2012, the company has quickly grown from a fledgling startup to a burgeoning innovation center. The company counts among its ranks 35 team members from all around the world, with experience at global powerhouses including Apple, Google, Facebook, Etsy, Baidu, and EA, among others.

The HTML500 aims to highlight Vancouver as a natural candidate for Canada's technology capital. Its proximity to Silicon Valley facilitates knowledge exchange with the world's center of innovation, and the Canadian government's open immigration policies make the city an ideal launchpad for international companies seeking a foothold in North America.

The outlook for software developers has never been brighter: Canadian companies will be looking to hire 106,000 new tech employees by 2016, according to a report by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), and there is a good chance there will not be enough qualified applicants to fill them. Despite the job opportunities, basic coding skills remain elusive for the vast majority of people. With events like the HTML500, Axiom Zen and Lighthouse Labs are working to bring the promise and potential of computer science to a much wider audience.

For Axiom Zen, the value of coding does not stop with the engineering team. Coding skills shine brightly on anyone's resume, demonstrating analytical thinking, drive, and aptitude. "We believe in the importance of coding for every member of the team. It's essential to us that everyone be literate in the basics. Even our non-engineering team members participate in hacking in-house projects," said Nick Chow, Axiom Zen Producer.

"I know first-hand the importance of understanding the basics of code," said Jessica Turner, Growth Hacker at Axiom Zen. "To be a good marketer, you have to understand how to work with your technical team to build the right product from the ground up, set up the right analytics, sometimes even jump in and edit things yourself! I can't wait to see the excitement of the HTML500 attendees when they see the magic they can create with HTML and CSS!"

The HTML500 event is taking place February 1st, 2014 from 10 a.m. at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell St in Vancouver. Fifty of Vancouver's top technology companies will be teaching 500 prospective coders the basics of web development. The event will be the largest open access education event in the history of Vancouver and is expected to put a spotlight on the opportunities currently available in technology as well as the need for stronger coding education.

Axiom Zen is an idea catalyst; we launch iconic products, brands, and companies working in partnership with the world's leading innovators. Our team members have worked with industry titans -- Apple, Google, Facebook, Etsy, Baidu, and EA, among others -- and hail from every corner of the globe.

We are a team of over 30 full-time engineers and creatives based in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. We operate with a flat hierarchy, a very collaborative culture, and a focus on results. We like to build products that millions of people love to use; products that make the world more efficient and delightful.